Originally published on ProWrestlingSheet.

Drake Maverick opened up about being released from WWE in a new interview where he also touched on competing in the NXT Cruiserweight title tournament still.

On today's edition of "The Bump," Maverick said he feels fortunate to be able to wrestle in the tournament after being released last week with a group of his peers.

"I don't think anyone in the history of WWE has had a chance like this on the way out to potentially save their job," Drake said. "I have that chance and I'm more fortunate than anybody in the world. I am more fortunate in regards to other people in the world outside of WWE that are going through hard times and bad situations with what's going on in the current climate. It's horrible and you don't take it seriously until it sometimes just slaps you right in the face."

"Last Wednesday it slapped me right in the face," he added.

As we previously reported ... additional talent released last week include Rusev, Zack Ryder, Kurt Angle, Luke Gallows, Karl Anderson, EC3, Lio Rush and Curt Hawkins.

Drake Maverick went on to talk on "The Bump" about how he always felt like there were obstacles for him to overcome in WWE, whether it was knocking on Vince McMahon's door when six other people were trying to do the same or just catch the eye of one person of importance behind the scenes.

He also noted that the NXT film crew had been following him the past two weeks documenting his return to the ring in the upcoming tournament.

"Something will just come along and just switch the course of destiny," he continued. "And that's what happened. So, I said to them, 'They're still letting me compete in the tournament, this is the story now. It's my life. This is more than just making a return to the ring.' This is really about everything. What's more relatable right now than somebody fighting for their jobs in what's going on with the world?" 

"But I'm gonna show them. And I'm going to stick it to them. And I'm gonna tell the person that made this decision that you were wrong. And I'm gonna do it the professional way. I'm going to do it the right way. I'm not gonna whine. I'm not gonna complain. I'm just gonna go out there and I'm gonna show them."

Drake Maverick faces-off against Jake Atlas tonight on NXT at 8pm ET on USA Network.

As we previously reported, tonight's edition of the show will still be live. For those wondering ... released talent is still being paid for the next ninety-days as usual. Sources say that because of this, it's possible some may be booked on WWE shows until they're officially no longer under contract.

Watch the full interview below.